ATLANTA, Ga—The SEC has nine teams that are bowl eligible at this point. If my predictions hold for this weekend, that number will not change.
As we quickly approach Thanksgiving, the SEC still has two undefeated teams with Florida and Alabama. Outside of an act of God, both teams will remain undefeated which creates huge drama for the SEC Championship Game on December 5th.
My numbers are consistent with a 6-1 record last week. I should have seen the Tennessee loss coming with the armed robbery story, but I thought they had too much momentum. Amazing how a selfish act by three men can negatively affect an entire team and thousands of fans. Hopefully it will serve as a lesson to others not to make foolish choices.
Picking SEC football games this year, places me at 82 percent accuracy for the yea with 69-15 record . When I finish over 85 percent, I will break records at ESPN.
Here are my picks for Saturday:
SEC Game of the Week: LSU vs Ole Miss in Oxford. There is no bigger game this week than the Magnolia Bowl. LSU is still banged up from the Alabama game and will be without running back Charles Scott which will hurt. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson is still on the healing track but expected to start. The LSU defense will have to play lights out to keep their team in the game.
Ole Miss is gaining speed and continuing their history of finishing out the season strong. Dexter McCluster will give the Tigers fits with his speed and ability to make big plays. Coach Houston Nutt has learned to get the ball to this playmaker because he wins games. The Rebels will be helped by a home field advantage and motivated by improved bowl opportunities if they win. Rebels win 24-16.
SEC East Match-Up: Georgia vs Kentucky in Athens. This is my sleeper game for the week. The Dawgs could look ahead to the Georgia Tech game which would be a big mistake given this teams erratic performance this season. The Georgia Bulldogs will have to lean on the run game more without wide receiver AJ Green in the line-up. Georgia fought back last week to beat Auburn, and it should help their confidence going forward.
Kentucky has enough talent to pull the upset in this game. The Cats would be helped if Randall Cobb can play, but their defense will give Joe Cox problems. Either way, the Cats will be chasing the Dawgs all day. Dawgs win 28-24.
SEC East Match-Up: Tennessee vs Vanderbilt in Knoxville. The dust is still settling in Rocky Top from the recent off the field problems with four Vol football players. Tennessee was on a roll and things were looking bright for coach Kiffin, and then adversity struck. Next the Vols got hammered 42-17 by the Rebels in a game where Tennessee should have won absent the suspensions. This week, Kiffin is challenged with a number of players out with injuries and the negative attention brought by a few players.
Vandy has been struggling all season with injuries and SEC losses (0-7). The Dores have not won an SEC game this season nor have they posted many points offensively to give their fans hope. I will be at Neyland Stadium to see this game up close. I’m believing the Vols will win 27-14.
SEC West Match-Up: Arkansas vs Miss State in Little Rock. Arkansas Quarterback Ryan Mallett is looking like the best SEC quarterback in the league this year. Mallett can hit a Coke can from 40 yards away. The Hawgs have really come together as a team, and this weekend will be one chance to show off their fire power.
Miss State must win their final two games to be bowl eligible. It is a long shot, but bigger miracles have happened. Miss State has played well on the road (3-1) this season. The Bulldogs beat Vandy and Kentucky away from home; so going to Little Rock to play the Hawgs is another upset opportunity.
The classic match-up will be the Hawgs offense against the State defense which has a bunch of interceptions already. Should be fun to watch. Hawgs win 35-24.
#1 Florida vs Florida International in the Swamp. The Gators own the state of Florida this year. Florida International has taken a beating from SEC teams all season and this game will be no different. Gators romp 54-9.
#2 Alabama vs Chattanooga in Tuscaloosa. Bama is rolling and it’s better to stay out of their way. The Mocs are going to get trampled. The only question is can the visitor score a point. I don’t see it. Bama continues rolling toward the SEC Championship 56-0.
I enjoyed my time last week in Athens and was surprised by the friendliness of the Georgia and Auburn fans in such a big rivalry. It was definitely a stark contrast to my visit in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama/LSU game. This weekend, I’m headed to Knoxville to see the big T and I’m really looking forward to it.
Until next time, I will see you on the ball field.
Jay Holgate is a SEC sports analyst, freelance writer and life coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. He can be heard around the South on sports radio.
SEC Sports Report is generously sponsored by MicroSTaff IT. Get IT Training Today!
